Kitchen Design Layout

Kitchen Work Triangles

Locate the three essential parts of our kitchen design – the refrigerator, sink and range/cooktop. The kitchen work triangle close together but not crowded, from 5 to 8 feet (1.5m to 2.4m) apart. The work triangle has always been the very essence of good kitchen design. By kitchen design conventional rules, the kitchen work triangle is the shortest walking distance from the center front of each appliance, the kitchen work triangle should total 26 feet (8m) or less, with no single leg of triangle shorter than 4 feet (1.23m) nor longer than 9 feet (2.74m), and we should be able to walk in unobstructed lines from cooking appliances to sink to refrigerator. A large triangle would require too much walking; a smaller one would create a cramped layout. That why we need to consider seriously of the kitchen work triangle in our kitchen design.

There is some debate, today, among professional kitchen designer concerning the traditional work triangle. Although most agree kitchen work triangle is still an important element in kitchen design, may see the triangular space evolving as cooking habits and lifestyles change. These kitchen designers feel that the more actual living done in the kitchen, the more expanded the basic triangle will have to become and kitchen grow larger – which appears to be the trend – they will embrace an increasing number of activities. This will result in the need for several autonomous triangles within the room. We maybe need to plan a kitchen design for two or more cook, include an island with extra sink and cooktop and create multiple work triangles in kitchen design.

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Kitchen Design - Planning a Layout

Traditional layouts such as galley kitchens that have cabinets and appliances running down two sides of a room, single-line/one-wall kitchen design, U-shape kitchen design, L-shape kitchen design and larger kitchens that feature and island, are always functional and thus are ones still use today. But because modern home plans often feature open layouts that eliminate doorways between rooms, new arrangement styles are necessary. The traditional notion of lining the perimeter of a kitchen with base and wall cabinets might not work in a modern kitchen.

Single Line/One Wall Kitchen Design Best utilized in narrow rooms. Suitable for one or two people to use at one. Suitable for small family stay at apartment or condominium. This kitchen design layout arrangement places all equipment, sink, range, refrigerator and cabinetry along one wall. Because we cannot create a triangle in a one-wall kitchen design, maximize accessibility by locating the sink between the refrigerator and the range. Although a one-wall kitchen is more typical in a small apartment, it may be found in large, open-plan home. Go back to Top

L-Shaped Kitchen Design Layout Versatile layout with cupboard along two adjacent walls. Work well with sitting area that is integrated into the same room and overcomes any shortage of wall space. Idea for a family and entertaining guest. This kitchen design plan places the kitchen on two perpendicular walls. The L-shape usually consist of one long and one short “leg” and lends itself to an efficient work triangle without problem of through traffic. This kitchen design layout is flexible enough for two cook to work simultaneously without getting in each other’s way. Another advantage to this kitchen design layout is the opportunity for incorporating an island into the floor plan, if space allows. If we do include an island in an L-shape kitchen design layout, plan the clearances carefully, walkways should be at least 36 inches wide. Go back to Top

U-Shaped Kitchen Design Layout Utilizes three full walls for maximum storage and work space. Suitable for both large and small rooms Suitable for condominium and terrace house. Kitchen Cabinets, counters and appliances are all arranged along three walls in a U-shaped kitchen design layout. The greatest benefits to this plan are the easy traffic flow. A U-shaped kitchen design layout it is possible to keep traffic that’s passing through the kitchen from encroaching on the cook’s work space, an important asset in a busy household. A U-shaped kitchen design layout incorporates a logical sequence of work center with minimum distances between each. The sink is often located at the base of the U, with the refrigerator and range on the side walls opposite each other. The U shape takes a lot of space – at least 8 feet along the length and width of the kitchen. The U-shaped kitchen design layout is ideal for two cooks, the work areas may have to overlap somewhat in a smaller layout-meaning two cooks may have to share one leg of the triangle – but it can be done. Go back to Top

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Parallel Kitchen Design Comprises counters on both sides of the room with 1.2m width corridor down the middle. This set-up saves steps and makes sense where food preparation comes before entertaining. First choice of many top chefs. The parallel kitchen design or galley kitchen design or also known as the corridor style, this compact layout locates the appliances, sink and cabinets on two parallel walls to create a small pass-through kitchen. It is easy to configure an efficient work triangle in this kitchen design layout, but this layout really caters to one cook. Parallel kitchen design is mainly the product of necessity. Small apartments often feature these kitchens to free up living space in other rooms. Allow a 48-inch wide aisle after all fixtures are in place so that cabinet and appliance doors can be opened easily while someone walk through. If possible, avoid situating the major appliances directly opposite one another. This would cause cramming in the event that two people wanted to use two things at the same time. Storage is a real challenge in this compact layout. The solution is to install tall kitchen cabinets that extend to the ceiling. Go back to Top

Single Line Kitchen Design with an Island Suitable for large rooms with lot of available floor space. Easier for several people to work together at the sometime. The island setup is only possible in kitchens that have ample room. When you set up an island, you must be sure to leave enough room for passersby on all sides of the island. Some islands provide additional counter space and seating, and many of them even feature cooktops, stoves, or sinks. Islands with cooktops offer the most efficiency, because they facilitate shorter triangles. Islands become not only areas on which to work but also places for socializing. Bar seating underneath hanging lights with dim control make people feel comfortable and relaxed. It becomes the ideal spot for wine and cocktails. Go back to Top

Kitchen Cabinet - L-Shape with Island